Is it okay to buy back a Squier Jazzmaster 40th Anniversary in Lake Placid Blue—the one I once fitted with Fender Pure Vintage ’65 pickups and a Fender tremolo system? I’ve suddenly got the chance to buy it back. It’s now or never.
Guitar virus is a chronic but usually harmless condition that affects musicians. The virus targets the brain’s reward centre, creating a strong conviction that the next guitar will deliver the perfect tone.
Transmission often occurs through:
Reverb, and guitar shops
YouTube videos featuring “honest reviews”
Pictures of guitars with matching headstocks and block inlays
Friends who say, “You should at least give it a try” Phrases such as “rare example” and “discontinued model”
Typical symptoms
The infected person will often begin saying things like:
“I’m just having a quick look.”
“This one covers a tonal range I don’t already have.”
“It’s actually an investment.”
“I can always sell one of my other guitars.”
“This Jazzmaster has a completely different character from the other four.”
Other warning signs include frequently checking used-guitar listings, acquiring detailed knowledge of bridges and pickups, and developing a remarkable ability to find available wall space.
Progression of the condition
A purchase usually provides immediate relief. The patient experiences calm, renewed enthusiasm for playing, and a deep sense of satisfaction. However, the effect lasts only until another listing appears—often featuring a colour, neck profile, or pickup combination that is missing from the collection.
Treatment
There is no known cure. However, the following measures may help reduce the symptoms:
Wait 72 hours before making a purchase.
Play the guitars you already own.
Avoid browsing after 10 p.m.
Follow the “one in, one out” rule.
Never ask another guitarist whether you need one more guitar.
Prognosis
The condition is usually lifelong, but it can be kept under control. A complete recovery is rare—especially if the patient already insists that five Jazzmasters have five completely different voices.
The good news is that guitar virus is rarely fatal. It is mainly dangerous to your finances, available wall space, and domestic harmony.
🎸😄
PS (For Real)
I’ve become quite an expert at collecting Jazzmasters! I’m selling two guitars from my collection—a Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry and a black Ibanez JSM20 John Scofield Signature. Hopefully, a new Jazzmaster will bring me just as much joy. 🎸
I couldn’t resist Eddie at Totally Wired Guitars, so I ended up buying a Fender Vintera III Mid ’60s Jazzmaster. Do any of you have suggestions for upgrades—for example, shielding the electronics cavities with copper tape, replacing the bridge, or anything else? PS if you don’t mind AI helped make a pic outside, if anyone’s wondering👍 while i’m waiting for the delivery of the Vintera
My third Jazzmaster has arrived—a 2017 Squier Vintage Modified with Seymour Duncan pickups. It sounds absolutely fantastic! Today I cleaned the fretboard and polished all the frets. The guitar is in excellent condition, and I couldn’t be happier with it!
PS The other two are a Fender TVL and a Hybrid II (MIJ)
My third Jazzmaster has arrived—a 2017 Squier Vintage Modified with Seymour Duncan pickups. It sounds absolutely fantastic! Today I cleaned the fretboard and polished all the frets. The guitar is in excellent condition, and I couldn’t be happier with it!
There’s room here for one more offset guitar—a Jazzmaster. I’ve ordered and paid for it, and in a week it’ll be hanging in the middle spot in the photo. Can you guess which model it is? 🎸
Does anyone have any experience with the MIM Fender Vintera ’60s Jazzmaster in Olympic White? I’m currently looking for either a new or used Vintera, or alternatively a MIJ Fender Traditional II Jazzmaster.
I’m considering buying this beautiful Fender MIJ Traditional II Late ’60s Jazzmaster. It has binding, block inlays and a matching headstock, which give it a really cool vintage look. The seller has fitted a tortoiseshell pickguard, but the original white one is included. The bridge has also been upgraded to a roller bridge, with the original bridge included as well. According to the seller, it has been set up with low action and is very easy to play.
What do you think of this model, and would you recommend buying it?
PS i just love my JM’s. I have two. TVL and a Hybrid II😊
I bought a new offset guitar this week: a Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster in oxblood. It’s an all-round guitar with great versatility across many genres. I’m really excited about it! 🇳🇴